At some point this month, you may have looked up a wedding registry and wondered what in the world the happy couple was thinking. Herb scissors? Bedside carafes? Ice pop makers? (Okay, that last one sounds pretty good right now.)

I recently took an impromptu poll on Facebook asking what kitchen gear folks can’t live without and what so-called “essentials” newlyweds regret receiving. One pal messaged me privately in fear of Aunt Mabel getting wind that her must-have electric tea kettle was a complete bust.

Here’s my advice to newlyweds — and better yet, to that tired and confused bride-to-be who is, right at this very moment, waving a scanner gun aimlessly around a department store: Stick with what you really need. That sales clerk may keep pushing more novelty items in your line of fire, but resist. Take a deep breath. Check out our slideshow of the top items you need to start out your kitchen.